weightlifting
-
What is weightlifting as a sport?
Weightlifting is a sport that involves lifting barbells competitively or as an exercise. The origins of modern weightlifting can be traced to 18th- and 19th-century strongmen. Weightlifting was included in the Olympic Games in 1896, 1900, and 1904 but was then suspended until 1920. In 1920, the International Weightlifting Federation (FHI) was formed to standardize events and oversee international competition. Menâs competitions are divided into eight body-weight categories, while women have seven weight divisions.
3 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What are the main types of lifts in weightlifting competitions?
Weightlifting competitions involve lifting a barbell from the floor in different ways. From 1928 to 1968, the three international lifts were the snatch, the clean and jerk, and the press (or clean and press). The press was abandoned in 1972.
In the snatch, the barbell is lifted from the floor to armâs length overhead in one continuous movement. The clean and jerk is a two-part lift. The lifter lifts the barbell to the shoulders, then jerks it overhead to armâs length.
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
How do athletes compete against each other in weightlifting?
In weightlifting, athletes compete in two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. The snatch involves lifting the barbell from the floor to arm's length overhead in one continuous movement. The clean and jerk is a two-part lift where the barbell is first lifted to the shoulders, then jerked overhead to arm's length.
Lifters are divided into weight categories, and the highest weight successfully lifted in each lift is added to produce a total score. The lifter with the highest total wins in their respective weight class.
3 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What equipment do weightlifters use during competitions?
In modern competitive weightlifting, the primary equipment is the barbell, which consists of a steel bar with revolving sleeves on each end for attaching cast-iron or steel disk weights. The weights vary, typically in the following increments: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 kg (55, 44, 33, 22, 11, 5.5, and 2.75 pounds).
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
How are weight classes important in weightlifting?
Weight classes in weightlifting ensure fair competition. They allow athletes to compete against others of similar body size, which helps to neutralize the advantage of larger lifters. Men compete in eight weight categories: 56 kg, 62 kg, 69 kg, 77 kg, 85 kg, 94 kg, 105 kg, and over 105 kg. Women compete in seven: 48 kg, 53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 75 kg, and over 75 kg.
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What skills and training are needed to become a successful weightlifter?
To excel in weightlifting, focus on skills such as proper form, technique, and understanding of biomechanics to prevent injury and maximize performance. Effective training includes consistent resistance exercise and balancing challenging workouts with adequate rest and proper nutrition.
Weight training programs should incorporate varied exercises and repetition schemes to develop both type I and type II muscle fibers.
2 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
weightlifting, sport in which barbells are lifted competitively or as an exercise.
For other activities using weights but distinct from weightlifting, see weight training, bodybuilding, and powerlifting.
History
Weightlifting has a lengthy history. For many prehistoric tribes, the traditional test of manhood was the lifting of a special rock. Such manhood stones, some with the name of the first lifter incised, exist in Greece and in Scottish castles. The competitive lifting of stones still persists locally in Germany, Switzerland, the highlands of Montenegro, and the Basque region of Spain. In many such events the consecutive number of lifts within a given time period is used to declare a winner.
The origins of modern weightlifting competition are to be found in the 18th- and 19th-century strong men, such as Eugen Sandow and Arthur Saxon of Germany, George Hackenschmidt of Russia, and Louis Apollon of France, who performed in circuses and theaters. By 1891 there was international competition in London.
The revived Olympic Games of 1896 included weightlifting events, as did the Games of 1900 and 1904, but thereafter these events were suspended until 1920. In that year, at the suggestion of the International Olympic Committee, the International Weightlifting Federation (Fédération Haltérophile Internationale; FHI) was formed to regularize events and supervise international competition. By 1928 the one- and two-hand lifts of earlier Games had given way to only two-hand lifts: the snatch, the clean and jerk, and the clean and press (described below). The press was abandoned in 1972.
In the Games before World War II, the leading weightlifters were French, German, and Egyptian. After the war American weightlifters were dominant until 1953. Thereafter Soviet and Bulgarian weightlifters held a virtual monopoly on world records and championships. By the late 1990s the leading countries competing in weightlifting were Turkey, Greece, and China. World championships were held in 1922â23 and from 1937, except during the war years, and European championships were held from 1924 through 1936. A weightlifting competition for women was added to the Olympic Games in 2000.
Equipment
The weight used in modern competitive lifting is the barbell, a steel bar or rod to which cast-iron or steel disk weights are attached at each end on a revolving sleeve. The range of weights added is 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 kg (55, 44, 33, 22, 11, 5.5, and 2.75 pounds).
The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.
SUBSCRIBE
Lifts
From 1928 to 1968 the three international lifts were the snatch, the clean and jerk, and the press (or clean and press). In all lifts the barbell rests on the floor initially. Lifts are performed on a wooden platform 4 meters (13.1 feet) square. If a lifter steps off the platform during a lift, the lift is not allowed.
In the snatch the barbell is lifted from the floor to armâs length overhead in a single, continuous, explosive movement, with the lifter being permitted to move his feet or to squat under the barbell as he lifts it before recovering to an erect position. The clean and jerk is a two-part lift. After lifting the barbell to the shoulders, the lifter jerks it overhead to armâs length, with no restrictions on the time necessary to complete the lift or on leg movements. In both lifts, the lifter must complete the lift with feet in line, body erect, arms and legs extended, and the barbell in control overhead. The lifter must either hold the weight overhead for two seconds or wait for the refereeâs signal before lowering the barbell back to the floor.
The press was also a two-part lift. As in the clean and jerk, the barbell was brought to the lifterâs shoulders, the same foot motion being allowed. Then the lifter had to stand erect until the referee signaled for the completion of the lift, which was achieved by pressing the barbell upward in a steady continuous movement to armâs length overhead but without any assistance by moving the legs.
Weight categories
Menâs competitions are divided into eight body-weight categories (upper limits given): 56 kg (123 pounds), 62 kg (137 pounds), 69 kg (152 pounds), 77 kg (170 pounds), 85 kg (187 pounds), 94 kg (207 pounds), 105 kg (231 pounds), and more than 105 kg.
For women there are seven weight divisions: 48 kg (106 pounds), 53 kg (117 pounds), 58 kg (128 pounds), 63 kg (139 pounds), 69 kg (152 pounds), 75 kg (165 pounds), and more than 75 kg.